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by Amy Reynolds

Created on: September 21, 2011

There are several different methods of castration with each having advantages and disadvantages. These methods can all be divided into three categories: physical, chemical and hormonal. The amount of pain associated with each and the age of the animal are also considerations for using analgesics or other pain relief medications, if any at all.

Anthropomorphizing, attributing human aspects to animals is quite common. While pain is not pleasant, even humans undergo pain throughout life due to a variety of causes. Children have their ears pierced at a very young age by some parents, circumcision of male babies and a variety of other pain causing procedures are done. Whether for religious reasons, appearances, personal hygiene or personal preference, pain is a result.

Reasons for neutering, or castrating, farm animals are either for birth control or to stop aggression. One in five veterinarians used an analgesic or local anesthetic according to a survey done of US members of AABP, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants. Neutering, or castrating as it is called with livestock, is believed by many US members of AABP to be less painful when done before six months of age. The AVMA, American Veterinary Medical Association, reports and updates any new information concerning animal welfare pertaining to castration of farm animals.

It is hard for many people to understand a process they have not seen or done themselves, witnessed the reaction of the animal involved or talked to a person skilled in castrating farm animals. A fear reaction is common as an animal does not know, nor can someone tell them, what is going on or what to expect. Young children often react beyond the actual pain of receiving a vaccination; fear and the initial shock of feeling pain can cause reactions not in line with the actual pain felt.

While use of local anesthesia has the potential to lessen pain and stress associated with castration of farm animals, cruel is not the appropriate word to label castration without anesthesia, lest we consider most everything done to children for health and safety reasons cruel as well. The implications need carefully weighed, the pros and cons deliberated for the conclusion and all sides considered before labeling a particular act “cruel.”

There is constant research and advancement in the raising of farm animals, based on science, not emotional response. Before any practice is labeled cruel or attempted to be banned, logic and reasoning should be applied; all aspects and alternatives considered and allow science over emotion. To do so allows for true advancement in raising farm animals and without vilifying those raising farm animals or consumers.

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